A woman in Hastings, Sussex was raped by a stranger who pushed his way into her house in what police are calling “extremely unusual” circumstances. The suspect, not known to the victim, knocked on her door in Milward Crescent at around 7pm on a Saturday and forced his way inside. A white man between 20 and 30 years old wearing a black hoodie, tracksuit bottoms, and a snood at the time of the attack is being sought by authorities. An e-fit of the suspect and CCTV footage have been released to aid in the investigation.
Detective Inspector Amanda Zinyama described the incident as a shocking ordeal for the woman, who is now receiving support from specialist officers as she assists with the enquiry. While there is no information linking the suspect to any other incidents, the public is urged to be cautious of any individuals behaving suspiciously in the area or unexpected callers. Additional patrols have been deployed in the area to provide visibility and reassurance to the community. Door-to-door inquiries continue, and efforts are being made to collect CCTV footage from Milward Crescent and neighboring streets.
Police are asking for anyone with concerns or information, no matter how small, to come forward and speak to officers working on the case. The CCTV footage, although not very clear, may hold clues such as the suspect’s walking style or other distinguishing features that could help identify him. The public is encouraged to pay attention to the video and report any relevant information they may have. Authorities are asking for those who were in the area around 7pm on the day of the attack to contact them if they saw the suspect.
The nature of the offence has prompted a dedicated investigation team to work on the case, while increased patrols aim to reassure residents and address any concerns in the community. Detective Inspector Zinyama emphasized the importance of reporting any suspicious behavior or individuals and urged prompt action in emergencies by dialing 999 immediately. The victim is being supported through this traumatic experience, and efforts to identify and apprehend the suspect are ongoing. The public’s cooperation and assistance in providing any relevant information are crucial in solving this crime and ensuring the safety of the community.
